Postharvest Evaluations of Blackcurrant Fruits with Chitosan and Ultraviolet A Treatments

Abstract

The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is a small fruit known for its health benefits, but treatment effects on postharvest storage for fresh markets remain understudied compared with other berries, such as blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). This work aimed to identify the effects of postharvest storage conditions including chitosan coating, ultraviolet a (UVA) light, and combined UVA–chitosan treatments on the physicochemical and microbial properties of blackcurrant. Blackcurrants were harvested, stored under the three conditions, and analyzed at every three days of storage throughout this experiment for a total of 15 days. The results indicated that chitosan treatments had positive effects on reducing berry weight loss, maintaining berry firmness, and reducing mold populations. UVA influenced certain bioactive compounds, such as cyanidin-3-galactoside and rutin. The interaction effects from these two treatments were minimal. This study provides important information for blackcurrant postharvest storage and further small fruit storage work, considering both UVA and chitosan had differential beneficial effects on blackcurrant berries’ physical and chemical attributes.

Keywords

• blackcurrant
• ‘Tofino’
• UVA
• chitosan
• postharvest storage